News

Capitals News

This Date in Caps History - November 17

by
Mike Vogel
/ Washington Capitals

On November 17, 1995, a pair of Boston area high school products squared off in the nets as the Caps faced the Pittsburgh Penguins at USAir Arena. Tom Barrasso guarded the twine for the Penguins while Jim "Ace" Carey manned the pipes for Washington.

Pittsburgh drew first blood when Glen Murray scored midway through the first. With just three second remaining in the second period, Capital nemesis Petr Nedved scored to give the Pens a 2-0 lead. The Caps finally solved Barrasso 37 seconds into the third when Ken Klee put one past the former Vezina Trophy winner. Midway through the final period, Washington knotted the game at two on Sergei Gonchar's even-strength goal. The determined Caps outshot Pittsburgh16-7 in the third stanza, sending the game into overtime.

But Washington was unable to contain Penguins superstar Jaromir Jagr in the extra session. Jagr took a feed from Brian Smolinski and tucked it behind Carey at the 2:48 mark of overtime. Pittsburgh, despite being outshot 34-25, took a 3-2 decision.

Also, on this date in 1991, Capitals winger James Black scored his first NHL goal. While playing for the Hartford Whalers, Black scored against the New York Islanders in a game played at the Hartford Civic Center.